Lake Side Nikko Hotel
6,9/10 Good - Based on 540 reviews
Lake Side Nikko Hotel sits on the shore of Lake Chuzenji in Nikko and presents itself as a compact lakeside ryokan with onsen in Nikko, offering rooms with tatami floors and some units featuring balconies that look toward the lake and surrounding hills. Guest accommodation ranges from family-size Japanese-style rooms to simpler annex units; the property operates a main building that houses the dining area and bathing facilities while an adjacent annex may be used at busy times. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi, on-site parking and a small lounge area for guests.
The property’s hot spring is sourced from the local Yumoto waters and described as milky‑white and freely flowing into two distinct public baths: a rock bath and a hinoki (cypress) bath, both designed with large windows to provide an open, near‑outdoor feel. Baths are gender‑separated public facilities rather than private in‑room onsens; day‑use bathing is offered during afternoon and evening hours on specified days, with some weekday closures noted, so use is subject to the posted schedule. This setup positions the hotel as a practical ryokan with onsen in Tochigi for visitors seeking a traditional communal bathing experience.
Meals are served in the main building and menus emphasize local seasonal ingredients, while the property is convenient for exploring nearby outdoor attractions such as the lakefront, waterfalls and hiking trails; winter access for snow‑related activities is possible in the wider Nikko area. Service notes from booking information mention that the annex does not have direct indoor access to the main building’s baths and that guests may be directed there when occupancy is high, so room location can affect how you use communal facilities. The combination of lakeside placement, source‑fed hot springs and straightforward guest facilities makes this a measured choice for travelers prioritizing onsen access and easy lake access.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Lake Side Nikko Hotel
Positive Reviews
Authentic onsen experience
Many guests praise the natural onsen: therapeutic hot baths with scenic views, long opening hours and a memorable bathing experience that is a highlight of the stay.
Traditional Japanese rooms and atmosphere
The ryokan’s tatami rooms, futons, kimonos/yukata and overall traditional style are repeatedly mentioned as providing an authentic, immersive experience.
Great lakeside/nature location
Reviewers value the peaceful, nature setting beside the lake and at the foot of the mountain, with pleasant views, nearby hiking and a bus stop close to the property.
Generous, high-quality meals
Many guests enjoyed the large, delicious dinners (often described as a feast) and generally praised the food quality and portion sizes when meals were available.
Helpful and professional staff
Numerous comments highlight friendly, attentive and accommodating staff who helped with arrivals, meal arrangements and made guests feel welcome.
Negative Reviews
No private en-suite bathrooms in many rooms
Several reviews note that many room types lack a private shower or bathroom; guests must use the shared onsen facilities, which some travellers find inconvenient or unsuitable.
Property is dated and cleanliness issues reported
Multiple guests describe the hotel as somewhat old-fashioned or rundown (stained carpets/wallpaper, general wear) and report that housekeeping could be improved.
Limited dining availability and remote location
Some stays coincided with the restaurant being closed or meals unavailable, forcing guests to walk into town at night. The hotel is relatively isolated with few nearby shops or restaurants.
Language/communication difficulties
A number of reviewers experienced limited English from staff, making communication harder for non-Japanese speakers despite staff being friendly.
Futons and bedding comfort concerns
A few guests mentioned the futons were thin or lightweight and caused discomfort or back pain on waking; some managed by stacking futons/using extra pillows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with tatami and futons and suit singles, couples or families; configurations typically fit 2–4 people. The property is small with limited rooms, so book early for larger groups.
Yes — there is a natural hot-spring onsen with a mild sulphur scent and milky water; baths are public and gender-separated with daily gender switching. There are no private in-room hot tubs.
The hotel does not operate an airport shuttle; it is best reached by car or public bus. Tobu-Nikko and Nikko stations are served by buses toward Yumoto Onsen, with a stop (Maruyama No. 32) a short walk from the property.
The nearest regional airport is Ibaraki (longer drive), while major airports (Narita/Haneda) require significantly more travel time; most guests arrive via Nikko/Tobu-Nikko stations and transfer by bus or car. Travel time from Nikko city is roughly 40 minutes by car and about 60 minutes by bus depending on connections.
Staff speak Japanese and can assist in English to varying degrees; some guests report limited English fluency. If you need detailed assistance in another language, notify the hotel in advance.
Expect a quiet, traditional ryokan stay with tatami rooms, futons, communal onsen bathing and lake-side views, prioritizing authenticity over modern luxury. The property is older and intimate, offering a calm, local atmosphere.
The ryokan sits by Lake Chūzenji and is close to Kegon Falls, Ryūzu Waterfall and historical sites in Nikko; many sights are within a short drive or reachable by local bus. Walking along the lake is a common on-site activity.
Standard check-in begins in the afternoon (around 15:00) and check-out is by 10:00; front-desk hours are limited so inform the property if you will arrive late. The building has stairs and limited elevator access, so plan for luggage and mobility needs.
Private in-room onsen rental is not generally available and pets are not allowed on the property. There are few late-night shops or convenience stores near the lake, so bring essentials or confirm local options before arrival.
Breakfast is commonly offered (Japanese/à la carte or occasional Western options), while dinner availability can be limited or plan-dependent — confirm when you book. If you arrive late, nearby dining choices may be scarce, so plan accordingly.